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Thats right, just got off the phone with ACD and they said begining in November all Distrubutors will now be treated like customers, as in they will recieve new releases when they drop on the street and no sooner. I think this is a terrible step for GW to be taking. Your thoughts?

Return to the "bad old days". In the 1990's GW had a terrible reputation with independent sellers and distributors. They've worked hard the past 10 years to rehabilitate that image. Sounds like they forgot everything they've learned and worked for to go back to policies that alienate a lot of customers and sellers.

Logically from their perspective they want:
> as many people in their stores as possible.
> as many paying full retail price as possible

So it doesn't surprise me as it's common sense really.

How far in advance were/ are they selling them these days anyway?

Honestly are they wanting to make themselves bankrupt (because they will eventually, the market for overpriced minis wont hold forever...though I guess it just has to hold till the CEO's retired to Cyprus), or is this all just some really complex marketing scheme? ¬¬

You're somehow surprised about this, given that European independent game shops, specifically in Poland, pretty much spoiled three separate releases this year?

I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner, frankly.

Kanluwen wrote:You're somehow surprised about this, given that European independent game shops, specifically in Poland, pretty much spoiled three separate releases this year?

Surprised? No.

Laughing quietly to myself as GW potentially alienates stores? Yes.

Yeah, wtf poland.

Thats what a GW plant would say right now.

I guess it could make sense for them financially. If their goal is to increase revenue in their stores specifically. That being said the lack of mark ups in retailers tells me that they're getting most of that money also. So what this does is make it so people like me who don't live within 10 hours of an actual GW store will have to either order online, which whatever that's fine in most cases. What concerns me is that their ethos seems backwards. Say I am going to release a new gaming system, car, tv show, whatever. I want people to know that my product is coming out. Make a release date and make sure everyone knows that at midnight that night their new shiny is coming out. Then you get people literally lining up to buy your product at launch. This produces good numbers to show investors that you have profitable launches and starts word of mouth more quickly.

I guess I'm not sure were GW is going with this. Are they just trying to keep their releases on their terms. I can understand that but I think other thriving industries have shown a little hype goes a long way. Maybe they're worried the necron models and rules will get bad reviews so they don't want people making purchasing decision ahead of time but that is a deeper problem on their part. It seems a little conspiracy-ish to assume it's a grand marketing scam, which it still could be i guess. Hype has been created but it usually helps a company's image and this has seemed to hurt in the eyes of a lot of player.

Really? This entire situation is GWs fault. Frankly, the company deserves whatever repercussions this entails.

Also, GW products aren't movies. They can't be "spoiled."

I suppose the surprise can be spoiled, but still, nobody is paying for the surprise.

CpatTom wrote:Yeah, wtf poland.

Thats what a GW plant would say right now.

*looks suspiciously at Kan*

Grimstonefire wrote:Logically from their perspective they want:
> as many people in their stores as possible.
> as many paying full retail price as possible

So it doesn't surprise me as it's common sense really.

How far in advance were/ are they selling them these days anyway?

I see nothing in the OP that says this is a policy to get customers in to their stores, nor that indies can't sell at discount.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

Wyrmalla wrote:Honestly are they wanting to make themselves bankrupt (because they will eventually, the market for overpriced minis wont hold forever...though I guess it just has to hold till the CEO's retired to Cyprus), or is this all just some really complex marketing scheme? ¬¬

Overpriced? Expensive, yes, but feel free to justify it being overpriced.

Ain't got a problem with it. It's GW's train set and they can do what they want with it. While I keep liking the game and it's models I will keep on buying.

It's like people are scared to walk into a GW store these days. If you have to wait a day or two longer for it to hit a local independent so what. Wait and shut up.

The whole GW hate thing is really getting rather boring. If you don't like what they do find another game and associated forum. It really is that simple and means every doesn't have to read constant whining about some thing or another GW does with their product.

Chim, the GW hate has been going on for years. It will never stop. I totally agree with your comments. You can curse the darkness, or you can light a candle.

Chimaera wrote:Ain't got a problem with it. It's GW's train set and they can do what they want with it. While I keep liking the game and it's models I will keep on buying.

It's like people are scared to walk into a GW store these days. If you have to wait a day or two longer for it to hit a local independent so what. Wait and shut up.

The whole GW hate thing is really getting rather boring. If you don't like what they do find another game and associated forum. It really is that simple and means every doesn't have to read constant whinning about some thing or another GW does with their product.

This forum isn't just for 40,000, also this is another of GW making what we called a stupid move.

Where's the beef? Lots of things have street dates which means everyone gets them at the same time. Not sure that there is a problem with a product maker controlling the releases. It doesn't strike me as something that is bad for me, the customer.

Especially if people are frequently breaking street dates I can see why they would do it. I would want to hear from store owners like mikhaila and have them tell us what the policy actually is and how it actually impacts indy stores before I get my torch and pitchfork for another GW internet lynch mob.

If GW wants to withold information on releases, and independent retailers are leaking information that GW doesn't want them to why wouldn't they withold the data from them? Independent retailers should want to stock GW product if it makes them money, and should not stock the product if it doesn't. They should also abide by whatever terms of agreement GW requires, or again not stock the product. I'm not a fan of GW witholding advanced release information. I guess I just don't see why its such a big deal that they want to deny independent retailers a week or two head start in taking preorders that might otherwise just order from the GW website or in a GW store. Afterall anyone who wants to buy online at a discount won't care if they have to wait a few extra days to order and save all that money.

Distributors sell to independent sellers. If they get the product on the street date that means they cannot get it to retailers till after the street date.

Distributors need to have it before the street date in order for them to have it to the retailers they service on the street date. Otherwise, independents aren't able to be competitive on street date.

Kanluwen wrote:You're somehow surprised about this, given that European independent game shops, specifically in Poland, pretty much spoiled three separate releases this year?

I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner, frankly.

You almost sound like you're defending this decision of theirs Kan. And 'spoiled'? Please...

Chimaera wrote:Ain't got a problem with it. It's GW's train set and they can do what they want with it. While I keep liking the game and it's models I will keep on buying.

It's like people are scared to walk into a GW store these days. If you have to wait a day or two longer for it to hit a local independent so what. Wait and shut up.

The whole GW hate thing is really getting rather boring. If you don't like what they do find another game and associated forum. It really is that simple and means every doesn't have to read constant whinning about some thing or another GW does with their product.

I think you're either mistaking "criticism" for "hate" or a large tub of blancmange for a brain.

In a nutshell:

I am upset that GW does not meet my high expectations again.

Like a good little mind controlled slave though, I will return to buy their product.

My FLGS is fairly pissed at GW now, they basically are the largest store in Texas (2nd in the country) about the information blackout. I am sure they will be double pissed that not only can they not tell the casual player what is coming out next month but will also get their packages late.

Chimaera wrote:Ain't got a problem with it. It's GW's train set and they can do what they want with it. While I keep liking the game and it's models I will keep on buying.

So do you want a tapioca pudding cup as a prize?

Chimaera wrote:It's like people are scared to walk into a GW store these days. If you have to wait a day or two longer for it to hit a local independent so what. Wait and shut up.

Some of us do not like mixing screaming 13 year old boys or malodorous fatties breathing through their mouth wearing black Slayer t-shirts with a crust of greasy dandruff from their chinbeards if we have the option not to.

Chimaera wrote:The whole GW hate thing is really getting rather boring. If you don't like what they do find another game and associated forum. It really is that simple and means every doesn't have to read constant whinning about some thing or another GW does with their product.

<text redacted; if you disagree with another poster, surely you can convey that without resorting to rudeness and inappropriate imagery --Janthkin>

The fact Dakka remains one of the few places who does not give service to Games Workshop is one of it's few good remaining features.

H.B.M.C. wrote:

Kanluwen wrote:You're somehow surprised about this, given that European independent game shops, specifically in Poland, pretty much spoiled three separate releases this year?

I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner, frankly.

You almost sound like you're defending this decision of theirs Kan.

Yes. I'm completely defending this decision.

Or, more likely than not, you're reading my statement with a perception that no matter what I defend their decisions. It turns a matter of fact statement into "OMG WHITE KNIGHTING!", which it is not.

And 'spoiled'? Please...

Dread Fleet, Ogre Kingdoms, and Necrons off the top of my head.

I know, I know. "We should be getting information from GW themselves more than a week ahead of time!"--which is something I do agree with, frankly. However, GW for some reason does not want that done. That's what they want, for whatever reason, and they've come to an idea that it's easier for them to clamp down on outside distributors than it is to do some massive coordinated worldwide launch.

Although, come to think of it...it would also alter the dynamics of some of the proposals that were put forward for UK->Oceanic sales too.

From the look of things GW is making the direct to store push that effectively cuts out the distributors.
Of course those FLGS that prefer to not to pay the $3500 start up cost for carrying the GW set up or prefer to not dedicate the 32sqft of space required will just have to wait.

^^

It makes perfect sense to punish 90% of your ground sales in the largest market you sell in because some Polish people did something that was immensely popular with your customers that you refused to do for some unknown reason.

BrassScorpion wrote:Distributors sell to independent sellers. If they get the product on the street date that means they cannot get it to retailers till after the street date.

Distributors need to have it before the street date in order for them to have it to the retailers they service on the street date. Otherwise, independents aren't able to be competitive on street date.

Bingo.

This is an attempt to get those stores who use other distributors than GW for GW products to come back to them, pure and simple.

And from what I hear, GW is hell to use as a distributor.

You have to remember this only impacts stores that get their GW product from distributors like ACD or Alliance. Most FLGS get their product directly from GW (and have for the past 15+ years) so this doesn't impact them at all. It does suck for stores that use the distributors, but if you are a store that relies on GW for any decent chunk of your sales, you are dealing with GW Trade Sales and this will not impact you in the least.

Kanluwen wrote:

And 'spoiled'? Please...

Dread Fleet, Ogre Kingdoms, and Necrons off the top of my head.

I think it's the "spoiled," with the inherent negative connotations, that's at question here. I'll give you "leaked," but is there some evidence that those releases were damaged by the unofficial early disclosure?

Platuan4th wrote:
This is an attempt to get those stores who use other distributors than GW for GW products to come back to them, pure and simple.

Pretty much this. Either way, I didn't realize my countrymen were the source of all the recent "leaks" (can you call it a true leak if its only a week or two before the official reveal??). Go Poland!

Janthkin wrote:

Kanluwen wrote:

And 'spoiled'? Please...

Dread Fleet, Ogre Kingdoms, and Necrons off the top of my head.

I think it's the "spoiled," with the inherent negative connotations, that's at question here. I'll give you "leaked," but is there some evidence that those releases were damaged by the unofficial early disclosure?

I use 'spoil' and 'leak' interchangeably so there might be a contextual snafu going on here.

I can't say whether they were necessarily 'damaged' by the early disclosure--but it does kill the buzz and hype that Games Workshop themselves plan. Look at the reaction we had here on Dakka when GW put up their 'teaser' video on Monday. It was nothing but complaining that "why don't they just hurry up and show us the <insert whatever expletive you want here> models?!" or "stupid GW, we know this hurry up and put them up for preorder!".

I don't think that's very conducive to making GW want to make it easy for places to potentially leak information, do you?